FINAL RESULTS: 2013 ADGA Golfer of the Year

Howard Clendenin of Seville tuned up for his trip to Alabama and the U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship next week by tuning up the field at the Akron District Golf Association’s Golfer of the Year Tournament over the three courses of Firestone Country Club this past weekend.

With an opening day 69 Friday on the West Course and some solid ball striking on the North on Saturday and the South Course on Sunday, Clendenin romped to a five-shot victory over Aaron Crewse and by seven over defending champion Don Padgett III.

It was Clendenin’s first Golfer of the Year appearance, and it was a strong one. Given how well Clendenin played throughout, the outcome in Sunday’s final round in the Championship Division came as no surprise.

But it was a totally unexpected shift of fortune in the Senior Division.

Nick Lambos made a big comeback on Mark Thomas to capture the Senior Division GOY title by a single shotMark Thomas after his birdie attempt at 18

Mark Thomas of Jackson Township began Sunday’s final round at Firestone South with a commanding seven stroke lead.

But a tough final round 81 against a big rally of 73 by Nick Lambos turned into a one shot victory for the Canton resident.

It came down to the final hole too, as Thomas’ birdie putt on 18 dipped down into the cup for just a second before running past the edge of the hole.

Lambos still had a 5-footer for bogey at that point, and a birdie make by Thomas would have really added some pressure. But Lambos ran in his downhill putt right into the heart for a one shot victory.

See more from the ADGA GOY Photo Gallery from Sunday’s South Course action here.

The weather could not have been better for all three days of the GOY Tournament, making the event just that much more special; thanks to Firestone Country Club for hosting the ADGA.

The players offer a big tip-of-the-cap to Directors Tim Davis and Dave Chapple for all of their hard work not only on this event, but throughout a long tournament golf season. The effort is very much appreciated.

Thanks to TireSource for their sponsorship of the Golfer of the Year Tournament, and to FootJoy (Joe Lombardi), Titleist (Mark Wise) and the people at Golf Galaxy for the merchandise and prizes given to players at the event. And finally, thanks to Nick Lambos for three day’s worth of closest-to-the-pin KFC gift certificate prizes on two holes each day for each division.

Here’s looking forward to a great 2014 ADGA season next spring!

FINAL RESULTS: Akron District Golf Association 2013 Golfer of the Year Tournament Firestone Country Club, Akron Ohio West / North / South Courses September 27 – 29, 2013